--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The very old, he thought, make our past…" description: "\"“The very old, he thought, make our past. Once they go it seems for a moment that neither it nor we have any real existence.”\" — P.D. James" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/p-d-james-7898_existence_the-very-old-he-thought-make-our-past-on_621832.jpg" --- # The very old, he thought, make our past. Once they go it… ![“The very old, he thought, make our past. Once they go it seems for a moment that neither it nor we have any real existence.” quote by P.D. James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/p-d-james-7898_existence_the-very-old-he-thought-make-our-past-on_621832.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/p-d-james-7898_existence_the-very-old-he-thought-make-our-past-on_621832.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/p-d-james-7898_existence_the-very-old-he-thought-make-our-past-on_621832.jpg) > ““The very old, he thought, make our past. Once they go it seems for a moment that neither it nor we have any real existence.”” [P.D. James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/p-d-james-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Contemplating the past raises questions about existence and the fleeting nature of memory. **In simple terms:** Our past shapes but does not define us. Key Takeaway Reflect on how history informs identity. Themes memory existence philosophy Mood introspective melancholic Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - personal reflection - academic study - creative writing - therapy sessions Key Concepts temporal continuity self perception historical narrative Questions to Reflect On - How does remembering affect your sense of self? - Can we find meaning beyond past events? 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